Governor Martin Elechi of Ebonyi yesterday said the nation has a bright future in spite of the security challenges that bedevilled it in 2012.

Elechi made this declaration during the church service to mark the New Year at the Government House chapel, Abakaliki. He said that 2013 would be brighter, adding that the nation would experience brighter political and economic prospects.

He called on Ebonyi people, irrespective of their political and religious affiliation, to join hands with the administration to move the state to greater height. The governor enjoined the people to imbibe the spirit of peace, love, and oneness, stressing that the strength and greatness of the state lay on the three concepts. He said the New Year celebration coincided with the 46th commemoration of the World Day of Peace and that mankind should work toward achieving lasting peace to improve the society.

"The 2013 New Year celebration is significant because it coincided with the 46th commemoration of World Day of Peace. "As we step into the year I implore all to walk on the platform of peace in other to actualise our destined greatness," he said.

In his sermon, the chaplain, government house Chapel, Rev. Fr. Livinus Oguejiefor, challenged Christians to imbibe the virtues of Jesus Christ, whom he said, was an embodiment of justice and love. Oguejiofor said that the enthronement of justice would lead to peaceful and more secure society. (NAN)